The Ephemeral Beauty of the First Flickers of Friendship
Mariah Loves Earth, Life under the Sky , 2019 I’m sitting outside on this beautiful sunny day contemplating the ephemeral beauty of new friendships. This life-giving essence does not occur with all friendships— it is a rarity —but when it does arise it’s a magical experience; you feel as though your brain's neurons have lit up like a Las Vegas slot machine that has just landed on three red cherries. Occasionally, this feeling may arise when you are captivated by a life-changing book, have watched an enthralling film, entered a flow state during physical activity, or engaged in something deeply creative. The whirlwind of emotions, excitement, glee, and awe are reminiscent of one’s first time on an extraordinarily dizzying amusement park ride; its briefness mimics that of this period of friendship as well. Maybe it’s because Spring is in the air? Or maybe I am inspired by the nostalgic music of my youth? Whatever the cause, thoughts of this blissfully fleeting stage of friendship h...
